Len's huge pool takes a walk
2004-07-10 14:38
André Janse van Vuuren
Johannesburg - How does one keep one's head above water when thieves walk off with your swimming pool?
This was the question posed by Len Mayer, a contractor from Johannesburg, after his trailer carrying a "massive" swimming pool disappeared.
Mayer's swimming pool disappeared from the corner of Beyers Naudé Avenue and John Vorster Street in Randpark Ridge on Friday while he was with a client in the area.
"The trailer brought in wonderful business," said Mayer who had had his business for less than a month.
"Every day I received about five calls from people who saw it," he said.
According to Mayer, a street vendor said someone with a green Nissan bakkie drove off with his trailer - and the pool.
The pool, which stands about 3.5m high, would be worthless to the thief, said Mayer.
Theft has cost him about R15 000
"There are two huge holes in the bottom, where it was attached to the trailer," he said.
Beeld heard of Mayer's problem through eBlockWatch, an electronic system that warns people of crimes committed, via e-mails and SMS messages.
André Snyman, eBlockWatch head, said Mayer's situation amazed him.
"Something like that can happen only in South Africa."
He said that after the message was sent out, he was inundated with calls from subscribers who wanted more information.
But, Mayer does not find the incident funny.
"In my heart, I hope to trace my trailer, but I am sure it has already been chopped up into pieces," he said.
He says the theft has probably cost him about R15 000.
"It's a huge step backwards for someone who only recently started up a business."
He has promised a reward for information that can help him recover his trailer.
- Beeld